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Friday, October 31, 2014

Before hooking up as a duo around 2002, Sean C was a member of The Vinyl Reanimators and The X-Men, producing classic underground singles for MF Grimm, Call O' Da Wild, E-Bros (remember that insane jam "Funky Piano", yup he was behind that one), Edo G, Smif-N-Wessun, and Big Pun. But it was when he hooked up with LV and The Hitmen that really made a name for themeselves, The Hitmen hadn't been exciting since Easy Mo Bee and Carlos Broady & Nashem Myrick left, and here these two were now, making modern masterpieces that often worked both on a street and a club level. Which reminds me, Chris we need to make that Sean C / LV comp happen real soon haha!

Last year they released their first project under own name, "Loud Dreams Vol. 1" which featured a few bangers by Raekwon but was overall not all that exciting. That they ditched this Money Making Jam Boys posse cut in favor for lots of other songs is just beyond me, because this is is an ill '80s hip-hop vibe thiing and Black Thought went in with pure murder on his mind. But what else is new right?

Damn it feels so good to hear some new Nas on the serious solo tip again; "Life is Good" might very well be my favorite Nas album behind his first two. I have a strong feeling that "The Season" will not appear on the next Nasty project but rather that Mass Appeal Records compilation we're all been waiting for. The beautiful beat Mr. Jones is rocking is of course Jay Dee/Dilla's "Gobstopper" from 2005:s "Donuts" but I'm sure as hell ain't gonna write produced by J Dilla, because he didn't produce it. He did all the music and beats for it, sure thing, but he didn't produce it. Hip-hop folks have a kind of twisted sense of what a record producer is at times - this should probably say "Produced and mixed by Nas, Music and beats by J Dilla" or something like that. Can't front though - have we ever heard Nas and Dilla together before, definitely two of my all time favorites.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

If you haven't heard legendary Boston emcee Edo G's latest full-length LP "After All These Years" you're really doing a diservice to yourself. With the concept lthat less is more "...All These Years" is an excellent album that is perhaps Edo's finest since "My Own Worst Enemey". The guest emcees are kept to a minimum; Guilty Simpson, Camp Lo, King Magnetic, G-Dot & Born, The Mighty Chuck D and a beauiful joint with his Special Teamz crew. Production wise you got Pete Rock (for three tracks none the less), Vanderslice, 9th Wonder, Marco Polo, Xplcit One, and more. The soulful "Listen" as you hear above are produced by Jas Productions. I can't recommend this album strongly enough and it's available on wax, CD and cassette soHURRY UP and BUY!

NahRight just premiered thiis mindblowingly smooth jazz banger featuring the always underrated Milano with Tha Connection's excellent Hu Kingpin and SmooVth and they sound absoutely brilliant over this monster of a beat, supplied by DJ Premier none the less. It's possible it's an older beat alá "Beatss That Collected Dust" (Sol. 1 or 2) but as long as it's this dope who gives a fruck.

The Soundsci crew keeps the sound of East Coast old school hip-hop alive, and although they haven't released a full-length in their own name since last year's "Soundsational", Audessey just released the physical copies of his collaboration with French producer A Kat Called Fritz - in fact one of the strongest albums of 2014. At the same time Ox the Architect, or Oxygen as he is perhaps more commonly known these days, has released a plethora of limited 7" singles. This new solo single "Code Red" with Oxygen is lifted from DannySpice & TheWildstyleTributeBand "Live At The Throwdown" EP - a love for classic old school wildstyle New York bop. The EP also features fellow Soundsci member Audessey, Emskee, Finsta & Cappo, and Mr. Sadat X himself. The project is available in both digital and a limited physical vinyl copy, that also features two exclusive instrumentals. So be sure to pre-order your copy while you still can! Head over toCrate Escaepe Record's Bandcamp.

Only a few days ago I posted the back cover of Milano's new mixtape from his mixtape which featured both newsongs and classics. Well, it turns out that this is actually the abum Milano recorded when he was signed with T-Ray on Beatdown Recordings which only resulted in the three track EP"Show 'Em" /"That's Milano" / "Morir Sorando" that was released in 2004, although the album was recorded in 2002 and featured a few older jams like the DJ Premier remix of "Where Ya At?"featuring Big Punisher. Thisgonna be a real interesting listen as I've always been a uge Milano fan and i never felt he got the proper props he deserved.

As I could only reveal the back cover with the tracklist and production credits when I first posted on it, it is now thanks to Unkut.com revealed that the title of the album is "The Wariors" by Milano Constantine, and not only that he got a hold of the entire album - How amazingis that?. Production by the usual D.I.T.C. co-horts, T-Ray, Molecules and Emile. A huge thanks to Robbie @ Unkut - you truly made my otherwise shitty day!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

I always felt that Royce Dav 5'9" is truly a master of his craft, an MC who's excellence shines through his writing and performances, whether it be punchline based raps or storytelling. Through his skills he has got to work with some of the best producers the culture has to offer, but no other match up his boom bap rhetoric as well as Mr. Gang Starr himself - DJ Premier. Kicking things off with the classic "Boom" back in 2001 it was evident from jump how well these two complimented each other. Since then there's been plenty of hot wax delivered from these brothers, pretty much every Royce album has had at least one or two Preemo bangers on there and more often than not, it's been the illest selections from the LP. So when the duo recently revealed that they were finally stepping up to the plate to deliver a full-length collaboration this year hip-hop heads worldwide were HYPE!

So before we get to the real deal later this year, I wanted to bring back a compilation of all their past classics and mixtape burners, packaged as "PRhyme - The Prequel". The result is 15 songs of pure boom bap heat that is sure to have your head nodding and your ears peaked to catch every bar from Royce and the guest emcees. I originally uploaded a compilation called "Bang It!" back in 2011, but this new version is expanded with a couple of additional tracks. The idea for doing this right now came from the homie M-Phatik (a.k.a. Mal Moe who always bring some good shit to the Lost Tapes) so a shout out to him!

Lots of illl new hip-hop today, both from veteran emcees amd prdoducers and it's all good. Stalley is a member of Maybach Music Group which isn't exactly the stuff youu´usually find on The Lost Taoes. Hoever, the album closer"Navajo Rugs" is a reao warm hip-hop jointsthat's certain to get your eads nod, and both Posdnous and Dve bring their A-game. Most tracks on Stappey¨'s "Oho" debut s produced by Rashad, a beat maker that definitely sounf ptomidinh. The Muyback Music guests not so much;; Nispey Hustle, Rick Ross,, ans Ty Dolla Sign. At least there's one dope track, and I gotta give credit where credit is due to Stalley for payiing homage to the legendsls. Few can do it liek De La Soul, and still to this day they out on a killer live shoe!''

With Diamond District's sophomore album "March On Washington" just released, it simply doesn't stop here as I'm sure it won't take lon until Oddisee got a new project and now most recently the grup of yU and produer SlimKar's duo The 1978ers aned they just dropped a tree three tap EP on Mello Music Group on some real smooth shit. We all know yU is a real talented emcee but for me the real star of the show is SlimKid; I first heard him on "Off the Late Night" and was absolutely blown away by the heartfelt soul. By far one of my faves on that record, which is saying a lot considering Mr. Oddisee was the main producer of that album. Let's hope for a full The 1978:ers album on MMG in the furure but for now I'm happy with this EP - but who knows maybe I'll do a Lost Tapes compilation!

Kris Flava is a new prodcer represemting the UIKkscene; last month he dropped the '90s flava "Pordgies" and wih it's deep bass ine, jazz vibes, turntables amd polyrhyhm rhyme patterns this could be a beat sraight from Brand Nubian's "In n God We Trust"and " Everything is Everything"especially with the extended Sadat X vocal saple from the Brand Nu masterpiece "Pumks Jump Up to Get Beat Down (Video Remix)¨

If you know me, then you are well aware that I'm not only a hip-hop - well hip-hop is my #1, but I absolutely love jazz music in almost all its forms, Soul/R&B (you know Beyonce, Rhianna, Kanye West on his 808s, and all that good shit... Or hell no, I'm talking Marvin Gaye, The Delphonics, etc.) and of course '70s funk (like Sly & The Family Stone, Parliament and Funkadelic, etc.) But I gotta say jazz and hip-hop is the thing that's getting the most spin on my turntables. And of course DJ Spinna is both a favorite DJ and producer so this exclusive Jazz set he put together on the Summer Madness 2 festival this September 4. Spinna is a master DJ on basically every genre, and here he lets agressive syncopated rhythms, vibes, a plethora of horns, both electric and stand-up bass and of course beautiful piano makes for an evening that I'm sure was unforgettable to those we were there. And for thsoe of us who wasn't, I strongly recommend checking this out - even if you're not a jazz fanatic like myself it's a very good chance you really gonna dig this - stream it below or click this direct link! TURN IT UP FELLAS!

J-Live on of the best, smartest and politically correct emcees in this hip-hop field of ours brings out his latest single "I'm A Man (American Justice)" and it's an absolute beast which is an open letter to abusive pigs. Some of my favorite lines right here (though the entire song is full of gems): "We're blacks and ya'll cops, no apologies/ But apologists say not all police.... Shhhh/ Please, when you're treated less like a human by a beast, it doesn't matter/ It's the whole beast or nothing but the beast/ If it's systematic, pandemic and you don't even have the decency to condemn it? God dammnit". Produced and mixed by J-Live, you can purchase the single (with instrumental, main and clean). Now if only radio would have the guts to play this type of music but of course they don't want the people catch any conscious messages. Let's hope we'll get a new J-Live album soon enough; I loved "S.P.T.A." and "Around the Sun" definitely had it's moments (though I think a short album like that should be at least 75% ridciolously dope - lke the be best songs on "The Best Part" or "All Of The Above" . Oh Well, J-Live is always the fucking man!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Detroitit producer mastermind Black Milk released yet another superb album this year with "If There's A Hell Below", a true true school offering with tasty samples and crisp drums with guest verses from the likes of Random Axe (Sean Price, Guilty Simpson, Black Milk) and a southern anthem featuring Bun B and Trill One. While I prefered his previous a lbum some this iis still definitely woth the money- The vinyl and CD is already sold our @Bandcamp so you can still purchase the digital copy if you want to support. Check out the video for "What I's Worth" up top and stream the entire album below.

Wow this is just HUGE! In honor of the great documentary "Time is Illmatic", the one and only DJ Pete Rock is bringing out a classic '90s style mixtape of the nr. 1 classic hip-hop LP ever releaed. Man these lyrics and beats is about as timeless and hard you can possibl get. And ever sincee 1994 till now you can play them again and again and this is on oof those albums you play from front-to-ack - otherwise SHAME on you! Pete mixes the oriinal songs, with short musical interludes, the Q-Tip remox of "The World is Yours", and there's pretty much shout outs from qll producers involvd in the oriiginal session. This is just carazy, so don't sleep Props to pete Rock, Nas and XXL Magazine vor this gem - So whateer tou do don't sleep! (Direct lik)

This was released a couple of days ago and it once again shows why Tragedy Khadafi should always be considered one of the greatest rhymeslingers to pick up a mic. The new single from Trag's upcoming "Pre-Magnus Opus" is titled "Free Thinkers 2" and is produced by one of my personal favorites right now in The Audike Doctor, and the result is just as superb as expected. Watch out for Trag's new album, I have a feeling this will take the underground by storm.

LA by the way of Orando, hard spitting Kap Kallous grabs some triumphnt proudction from A Gamg Called Dump and some heavy turntable work by DJ Dolo. Kallous is currently acompany MURS and seasoned live band Parnahandle State so if you're in the LA area you shouldn't miss this opportuity! Free download too!

Saigon really came through with some suprid fresh tracks on "GSNT3: The Story Of Brian Carenard", and if you ask me the sickest of them all, both production wise and lyrically is the collaboration with Big Daddy Kane, proudced by noo lesser legend DJ Premier. The remix is handlled by DJ Premier as wel, Next up for Sai is a collaborative tour between the man himself and Chris Webby. Preemo truly went in on this bbeat... Chilly!

Monday, October 27, 2014

Milano Constatine is a well-kown name amongst the D.I.T.C. head, having released solid 12" singles and mixtapes produced by Amed, Show, OC, Lord Finesse, T-Ray, DJ Premier, Cues of The Legion and Buckwild to name a few. He's an ill battle rhymer as well, perhaps best known for his classic Big Punisher collaboration "Where Ya At?". As far as I can see it's still untitled while the artwork is handled by Philip J Bux Capiello but according to the post on Milano's Facebook it's coming really soon so stay tuned! Mixtape of the year?!

Saturday, October 25, 2014

I absolutely love hardcore hip-hop and few emcees/producers do it hetter thah M.O.P. and DJ Premier. With a cameo by Mr. Bus-A-Bus, their mew somgöe "Broad Daylight Pt. 2" is just out of this world - i mean Fame, Danze and Busta trading bars on an agressive beat - what more can you ask for? This will appear on Thr Mashouts upcoming EP "Street Certified EP" which drops veu soon so keep toue eyes on the price. No more Ro-A-Fella, G-Unir, just pure inadulteradet hip-hop at it's finest.Pre-prder your copu ASAP!

New idsh rom Hav and P, prodced nu Mr. Alchemiist. Nor aure were this is from, will end up but word is that it's am older og,and it's prettu dan dope. TURN IT UPP! Perhaps it's ust a loosie as this markks ALC's birthday Anhwah, band tourhead to this this and(or let me kne thin on it. Trac os called "Bilofy".

When Kris is inolved you tou're in a treat for a treat. Prodicuer Big Bob and LD stands for thes´harrdcore sonics while all three ecees get it it in. Rugged to say the least. Nor ´sure where this is is from, but I'm pretty sure we'll hear more from these guys so tay on the lookout.

Friday, October 24, 2014

A stand-out cut from Planet Asia and Orlando based producer TzarizM (who previously has created excellent work for MidaZ The Beast amongst others), have finally released their full-length "Via Satelite" and is available at Doxside Music Group and UGHH to name a few. There's so much incredible music coming this year. so I have to admit I haven't listened to this album in its entirety yet, but I'm a huge fan of Asia when he's getting down with ill producers and TzarizM qualify. Check out their new video single for "Mystique". TURN IT UP!

Distributed by Pharoahe Monch's "W.A.R." media publishing imprint, "A Tribute to Black Dynamite" is a geat tribute mixtape/album in the honor of the great blaxploatation '70s style comedy (from 2005) "Black Dynamite". If you haven't seen the movie yet, DO SO, because it's absolutely hilarious and features an incredible soundtrack by Adrian Younge and his Venice Dawn album straight through. A while back the interesting East Coast prodducer Fatin "10" Horton decided to give his own take on a fcitional soundtrack to the film and the series, and the result is some funky-ass hip-hop tracks that should have you keep your head nodding fo-sho-sho. Features include Big Remo, Rapsody, Mela Machinko, Skyzoo, Jean Grae, CQ, Torae, and more, and most importantly a new Pharoahe Monch joint produced by Fatin for the proejct (for those of you who don't know Fatin

Horton has produced some of his finest album tracks the last couple of years). Check it out for free below!

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib is obviously not done with the "Pinata" album just yet, and who knows maybe we'll get a new project in a near future too. You heard the "Knicks Remix" w. Action Bronson, Joey Boada$$ and Ransom before, and now you can check out the B-Side from the new Madlibs Invazion EP. The EP also features instrumentals of both songs and 2-3 exclusive Beeat Konducta intermission beats. Scroll down to the previous post to hear the "Knicks" remix, and here's the real B-side "Home" featuring BJ The Chicago Kid, and be sure to support this EP over @ RappCats.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Ah, the good ol' posse cut remix - you gotta love it! For the new version of "Knicks" from Madlib and Gangsta Gibbs excellent "Pinata" LP the duo invites Action Bronson, Joey Bada$$ and Ransom for a fresh take. This joint will be released on a new EP via Madlib Invazion which was also include a brand new MadGibbs track called "Home", featuring BJ The Chicago Kid, and a couple of new Madlib instrumentals.

Jason Dean is a new name to me but his album "Straight Out the Projects" really is a reminder of why I originally fell in love with hip-hop. The Norweigan producer seamlessly blends smooth soul and hardcore rhythms which he attracts some of the illest spitters around. How about Masta Ace, Cormega, AZ, M.O.P, Ruste Juxx, Big Shug, Prop Dylan, and Rasco? With only six songs it's a quick but definitely satisfying listen, it will be interesting to say what this Scandinavian boom bap fanatic will bring to the table in the future. The entire EP is available to stream for free via Spotify below, and can be purchased fromiTunesorAmazonso don't sleep!

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Audessey of Soundsci and (formerly) Mass Influence is a rapper I have loads of respect for, as he's constantly dropping quality material no matter who he is working on or with who. His most recent endevour is a project with French beat maestro A Cat Called Fritz whose love for funky jazz samples, hypnotic horns, deep bass grooves and boom bap drums makes for a perfect blend with Audessey's smooth voice, versatile flows and honest lyrics. "Beats Per Minute" is being released via Slice-Of-Spice, who continues their movement of releasing real hip-hop for the love of the culture, and is now finally available on 12" vinyl. Audessey was kind enough to shoot me over a copy of the digital version quite some time ago, and I immediatly fell in love with the sounds of Fritz and A's creativeness and the extraordinary sounds it resulted in. Needless to say I have been waiting for a physical copy to add to my collection since then, which is now finally available @ Slice-Of-Spice in various editions, including an instrumental LP, a limited picture disc, the regular 12" EP, and the collectors bundle which includes the album, the instrumental set, the picture disc and the "The Hop"/"By Design" 7". Without a doubt this is one of the absolute finest releases of the year, so HURRY UP AND BUY!

As if the news alone wasn't enough S-O-S has also put up the full album stream for both the regular and instrumental editions on their Soundcloud page, so peep them below. Only downside is that the vinyl omits the songs "By Design" and "Traveling Thoughts" which were the two album closers on the digital version A hooked me up with. Nontheless the eight tracks we are left with is enough to bop your head for 30 minutes straight, so I can't really front! Also check out the free prequel tape, "The Metronome Mixtape".

Back in June 2013 Australian producer Kid Tsunami released his debut album "The Chase" as a digital download distributed by The Orchard and Fat Beats. CD and vinyl were supposed to follow shortly after but that never came to fruition... until now, as Slice-Of-Spice has gained the rights to release a nice 180 gram 2xLP set. Nostalgic fans of true school boom bap will no doubt love Tsu's sample heavy production and the guest cast which includes some of New York's finest emcees to ever do it. We're talking names like OC, Percee P, Jeru The Damaja, AG, Masta Ace, Kool G Rap, Bahamadia, KRS-One, Pharoahe Monch, and many more. The music is the same as on the original 2013 release (there might be some minor tweaks here and there), but the artwork by Fred Whyte is brand new and is looking a whole lot better, as well as the sequencing which has been switched around to make the LP flow better. The gatefold vinyl of "The Chase" is limited to 500 copies and is available @ Slice Of Spicenow.

As nice as the guys at Slice Of Spice are they are also offering up the newly remastered version of the album not only for full streaming but you can also download all of the individual tracks in HQ Mp3 for free. Also check out the "No Guarantees" single which features banging remixes by Diamond D and DJ Bless. TURN IT UP!!

To commendate the official vinyl release of Kid Tsunami's very strong debut album "The Chase" on Slice-Of-Spice (see the post above), the Australian producer lets loose of "Limitless". The instrumental beat tape features seven headnodding instrumentals based around fresh, jazzy samples and crisp drums. According to Kid Tsu this is one of many future beat tapes that will be uploaded to his Soundcloud so keep your eyes on that.

Hardcore ish from Diabolic with DJ Premier on the rugged backdrop which now gets the visual treatment. "Diabolic Sounds" appears on Diabolic's sophomore LP "Fightin Words" which is out now. Grab it @ iTunes.

Shabaam Sahdeeq always been a sick rapper, no question, but in 2013/2014 he's been a fucking monster with it. The "Keepers of the Lost Art" album was absolutely ridiciolous, and is still getting spins, and the agressive yet soulful thump that DJ Ready Cee hooks up for Sahdeeq the New York legend gets cinematic with it. "Skillet" is the lead single from DJ Ready Cee's upcoming producer abum "In The Cut" so be on the lookout for that.

Boaz is a Pittsburg emcee who released his debut album "The Audiobiography" in 2009. This Tuesday's he's getting his sophomore on, with the release of "Intuition" which features production and guest spots from the likes of !llmind, Jadakiss, Styles P, Junior Reid, and Larry Fisherman. For the !llmind produced single "Like This", Boaz has unveiled two remixes - one representing the West Coast and featuring Crooked I, Murs and Fashawn, and now the East Coast remix which sees Boaz getting busy together with Oddisee, Termanology & Vinny Radio. Check both of them out below and also visit Boaz Soundcloud to peep joints with Styles P, Jadakiss, Junior Reid, Scarface, Sean Price, and more. Pre-order "Intuition" @ iTunes.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

There's no question that Saigon is an incredible emcee, and a great writer, which was not least proven by his long-delayed debut "The Greatest Story Never Told". Recorded over a period of about 5-6 years and almost entirely prouced or co-produced by Just Blaze, Sai delivered one of the strongest New York debuts in years. Over soul sampling, thumping production from Just, Sai never shyed away from intimiately personal or political subject, whether it was digging deep into the darker sides of his personality, exploring his flaws and triumphs, failed relationships or living the player role. Another aspect that made Sai stand out from the rest was his ability to become a voice for the inner city youth trapped in the ghetto, speaking truthful political beliefs and spreading truthful social commentary .

The "GSNT" sequel didn't take long after to hit shelves, and the result was an album that felt terribly rushed on most aspects. Instead of the introspective and political lyrics, and headnodding soul sample based poduction Sai totally switched up the formula for 2012:s "Bread & Circuses". There definitely were some tracks were Sai shined and had a lot of important things to vent, but overall it was a diminished effort both from a lyrical and a production standpoint. So while it wasn't a weak album in all aspects, compared to what we know knew Sai was capable of it I can only consider it a huge dissapointment. The remarkable chemistry between Sai and producer Just Blaze was almost entirely gone in favor for beats by relatively unknown beatmakers like Clev Trev, DJ Corbett, Careni Finch, Sire, Rich Kidd and Rayne Dior who sometimes did a great job and sometimes far from it..

The third installment is titled"The Greatest Story Never Told: The Life and Times of Brian Carenard" and is in someway a mixture between the two preceeding volumes in the series. Just Blaze is once again absent aside from a voice mail intro, and the majority of the production is handled by Clev Trev. However Clev does a much better job in capturing Saigon's lyrical strengths this time around, and singles like "Hustler's Prayer", "Street Gospel" and "My Mama Thinks I'm Crazy" is ample proof of a chemistry that coud go a long way although it at other times are still a bit rough around the edges. Though the production is at times a bit lacking, and the relayiing on R&B hooks tends to get over used, it's a positive fact that Saigon's back in full effect with the socio-political themes and the heart of the ghetto struggle at the forefront of his lyrics. And with that the delivery is as potent as always! There's a lot of concept songs on here, all brilliantly executed, and when the producton is on par it's a pretty damn incredible record. Best of all is the DJ Premier section which runs for three tracks in a row - all produced by Works of Mart. The single "Nunya (None Of Ya Business)" is a beautifully chopped vintage Preem banger where Sai sounds absolutely excellent. The best song on the entire LP, however, is "One Fot in The Door" where Premier conjures u a true headnodder complete with his trademark cuts and booming beats. Not only is the production excellent but Saigon here invites legendary veteran Big Daddy Kane to join him in the booth. It's a beautiful thing where the song plays out as Kane passinng down the batton to the younger, hungry emcee. Pure brilliance!

For hardcore hip-hop heads stuck in the '90s there's a risk they will find dissapointment in "GSNT3: Life and Times of Brian Carnard" as many of the songs relies on R&B hooks and relatively smooth beats. This is surely no bother to me as the songs here prove that Saigon is not only a very good lyricist but he has a good understanding on song structure. The point is that Saigon has made an honest album where he has poured much of his heart into the music, exactly the formula that made me a fan of him in the first place. So all in all, when talking purely lyrical performance it's an excellent collection of tracks. Unfortunately the production doesn't always make those strengths the justice they deserves, as many tracks comes off as rather flat and not something you'd expect to hear on the follow-up to an album entirely produced by Just Blaze. Shuko, DJ Premier, and about half of Clev Trev's contributions really comes of as strong and well-designed music, worthy of an emcee of Sai's caliber. But the whole is only as strong as the sum of its part, and tracks like "Mine, Mine, Mine", "Best Mistake" and "Bring That" just don't cut it, and even DJ Premier's "Let's Get Smart" sounds rather uninspired compared to their other collaborations prevent the abum from being the superb disc I had hoped for. It is however a big step up from the preceding "Bread & Circuses" abum, and there's enough hot shit on the disc to make it worth revisiting several times. As Saigon is one of the more interesting New York emcees of his generation, it's easy to see that he will need stronger producers if he ever want to deliver the masterpiece I believe he has in him - his work with Just Blaze and DJ Premier so far tells us just that. If I was to give a number rating it would land somewhere around 3.5 out of 5.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Tony Starks joins forces with up-and-coming jazz trio BadBadNotGood once again following some tracks on the "Man With The Iron Fist" OST and especially the recently released "Six Degrees" 7" featuring Danny Brown. "Gunshowers" is more of the same, with Ghost spitting absolute heat over very competent live instrumentation, and this time the quartet is joined by the always immaculate spitter eLzhi - what more can you ask for? As if the few tracks we've heard so far isn't enough, Ghost and BadBadNotGood has signed a deal with LEX Records for a full-length collaboration album to be released on February 16. I for one can't fucking wait, this should easily be a contender for album of the year in 2015. Stay tuned for more info and singles from "Sour Soul" as it's called. Damn!!!

Having released classic albums and 12":s with his Da Bulldogs crew as far back as 1991, Boston emcee Edo G has truly proved time and time again that constant elevation and logevity can go hand in hand. This year he released one of the finest albums of 2014 so far, the short but straight to the point "After All These Years" which is unfortunately still ridiciously slept-on in many circles. For this post I want to bring back one of Edo's more unknown records, a Japan only EP that forms a bridge between his early 2000s solo catalouge and his early work as part of Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs. Most comonly refered as the "Dedication" EP, this piece of vinyl shows brilliant lyricismms delivered in Edo's unmistakable monotonous but heartfelt flow over a thumping but dark, and sometimes laid-back beats of the boom bap aesthetic - completely supplied by The Vinyl Reanimators (Joe Mansfield and Sean C on the production; DJ Shame and DJ Nestle Quick on the turntables). Released in 1996 on the small Japanese label Solid Records, it is sometimes known as "The Six Song EP" and are available in a few different versions - one with six tracks, and one that also includes two additional tracks towards the end. The latter one is the one I want to share with you here.

There's not a single weak or half-mediocre song on here, whether we're focusing on production or lyrical performance, and without no guests both Edo G and Vinyl Reanimators really gets to shine together as their chemistry is unmistakable. I'm a big fan of the EP format, as I'd rather take a near perfect six or seven songs outing than a fifteen track album where four of the songs straihgt up suck. And this is about as good an EP as they come - it's all here; that headnodding '90s boom bap esthetic where samples were always crisp, drums were pounding you in the head and artists put a lot of effort into their lyrics to really mean something. If you haven't heard this gem before do yourself a favor and download it ASAP, press play, sit back, TURN IT UP and let your head start nodding. And don't forget to cop Edo G's "After All These Years" as it's definitely an album worth to have in the collection.

After being taken under the wing of the legendary DJ Jazzy Jay, Diamond D's talent for deejaying and incredible ear for rhythms and melody quickly made him a highly sought after producer. Although his formal debut "I'm Not Playin'" with MC partner Master Rob as part of the group Ultimate Force was completed (and was a dope LP at that) it was as a solo artist and producer for hire that Diamond D would make waves in the hip-hop world from 1990 and onward. Although he does get his due props, I still think he's a bit underrated compared to those I consider his musical peers like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Marley Marl, RZA, etc. I'm not saying that he's neccesarily better than those legends, but to me he is on the same level, hence the title of this compilation. He has often dared venturing out to experiment with sounds and styles, and was one of the first producers to cross the borders and produce popular cats from the East, the West and the South. Due to his versatility not every production of his hits the bullseye but his deep catalouge packs enough heat to forever give him a place amongst the true greats.

As you should know Joseph Kirkland (a.k.a. Diamond D) just released his fifth album under his own name - "The Diam Piece", a true return to form after the somewhat lackluster "Huge Hefner Chronicles" (2008) and "Grown Man Talk" (2003). He recently revealed that he took about two years to complete the album, really putting in some hard work, but at the same time he also produced the entirety of Southern monster spitter BIGREC's "DoomsDay" album and laced several loose joints. With two Diamond produced albums hitting stores this year I figured it was the perfect to drop a new compilation on y'all. "Still Top 5" bridges the gap between "The Huge Hefner Chronicles" and "The Diam Piece" as it features the majority of Diamond's productions between 2009 and 2014. 60 minutes of pure Diggin' in the Crates funk with emcees like Sadat X, AG, Pharoahe Monch, RA The Rugged Man, Beneficence, J-Live, Dilated Peoples, Raekwon, Torae, Fat Joe, and many more. This is not something you want to sleep on, rather press play and TURN IT UP!! Also be sure to support Diamond D and D.I.T.C.'s movement by copping "The Diam Piece", BIGREC's "DoomsDay" and D.I.T.C.'s "The Remix Project".

Being a huge fan of both jazz, soul and hip-hop I am super excited by pianist/producer Robert Glasper and his Experiment band and their three "Black Radio" records released so far. This years "Black Radio 2" featured one of my favorite songs of the entire year, which was the heartfelt collaboration with Common, "I Stand Alone", which is now getting the video treatment. A perfect reason to revisit this beautiful song, but you should of course support Glasper and his movement @ Amazon or your store of choice. Directed by Robert Glasper and Brian Deka Paupaw.

TMF is a loosely affiliated Wu-Tang Clan group, consisting of Trife Diesel (of Ghost's Theodore Unit), Khryme Life and Tommy Whispers. They've been doing it on an underground level for quite some time, even appearing on the "Supreme Clientel" classic "One" but their real (underground) breakthrough came with the Ghost/Trife Da God joint LP "Put it on the Line" - a slightly underrated LP. Tommy Whispers is preparing a new project called "Graffiti Subway Series II" and for the first single, "What it Look Like", he invites Trife Da God and Khryme Life to get busy over a revamped beat from the "Tical" album. Peace to Anti-Social for the heads up bc this is pretty dope!

Numonics is a talented producer hailing from Florida who made a name for himself when he hooked up with lyrical wonderkind REKS and produced the entirety of his "Rebelutionary" album. Now Num' is back with a new three-part (mainly) instrumental EP series showcasing his talents behind the boards. The first installment is called "An Unreasonable Man" and features an eclectic mix of classic soul, funk, vintage East Coast hip-hop and elements of rock. Well worth checking out! Spotted @ 2DBZ.

If you're a fan of !llmind's moody synth driven beats and the dark atmosphere he loves to conjure up, you'd be pleased to hear that the talented producer just released a free instrumental 12 track project entitled "Illuminati". !lllmind can be hit or miss with me, sometimes he's absolutely fantastic and other times I don't really care for his soundscapes, but listening to the first track here it definitely sounds good so be sure to give it a spin if you're into instrumental hip-hop that tells a story without vocals.

This is a few days old, but Long Beach emcee Vince Staples has really impressed me with his with his guest apperances on Common's latest album and especially his No I.D. produced mixtape "Shyne Coldchain Vol. 2". The kid can definitely spit, and now that he's signed to No ID's ARTium Records and Def Jam prepare to hear a lot of heat coming from this young cat in a soon future. The Anthony Killhofer produced single "Fire" is the opening track to Staples recent Def Jam EP "Hell Can Wait" which also features production from No ID (track #4), Infamus and Hagler. The seven track project can be pruchased @iTunes or stream the entire project via Spotify below.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

The third single from the upcoming "Blasphemy" album brings more raw heat from Ras Kass over heavy, synth-driven heavy beats by Apollo Brown. For "Giraffe Pussy" (haha what) the duo invites Xzibit and Bishop Lamont for a real West Coast rendezvous. "Blasphemy" drops on October 28 via Mello Music Group, count on me to cop this! Pre-order and check the tracklist @ Bandcamp.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Back in 2007 Mobb Deep released a raw mixtape called "The Infamous Archives", the album version of an original J-Love mixtape making the loudmouth DJ the official compiler of the 2xCD. The double disc was a real treat coming off the G-Unit release "Blood Money", as it featured mostly previously unreleased songs from the "Infamous"/"Hell on Earth"/"Murda Muzik" era. A highly recommended compilation for any fan of P and H if there ever was on.

My man Fritz put me on to the fact that a digital release of the album was also available, this one featuring an additional six songs not found on the physical copies. This incudes "Fire", "King Of Rap", "How You Survive", "Thugged Out", "Who Wanna Test?" and last but definitely not least the short but deadly "Avirex". I'm not sure when this was released, but due to the sinister strings, pounding beat, overall rhymes and P's on point flow/storytelling points to "Hell On Earth". Clocking in at only 1:13 this is classic Mobb Deep at its finest, and why this wouldn't make an intro or interlude on "Hell On Earth" or "Murda Muzik" is totally beyond me.

Brian Coleman's first volume in the "Check The Technique: Linear Notes for Hip Hop Junkies" series (which was a reworked edition of an earlier bok called "Rakim Told Me") absolutely blew me away, and still to this day it stands as probably the finest book on hip-hop I have ever read. For those of y'all not too familiar with it, the book contains 25 chapters where each chapter focuses on a classic hip-hop album that is breaken down in an article and a track-by-track rundown, all done by the artists behind the album themeselves. A while back my man Linkan told me that the second installment is finally coming, and very soon at that (coming this November). Like the first intallment the book features 25 albums, with Coleman saying that he's going more in-depth with each chapter this time around. Albums include 3rd Bass "The Cactus Album, Rae's "Cuban Linx...", Ice Cube's "Amerikka's Most Wanted", the Black Star album, Lord Finesse & DJ MIke Smooth's "Funky Technician" and much more. Check out the full chapter list below, and do yourself a favor by pre-ordering this from Amazon or GetOnDownor your net bookshop of your choice.

01. 3rd Bass - "The Cactus Album"

02. Beatnuts, The - "Intoxicated Demons"

03. Black Sheep - "A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing"

04. Company Flow - "Funcrusher Plus"

05. The Coup - "Steal This Album"

06. Diamond & The Psychotic Neurotics - "Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop"

07. DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince - "He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper"

08. Dr. Octagon - "Dr. Octagoneligyst"

09. Ed OG & Da Bulldogs - "Life of a Kid in the Ghetto"

10. Gravediggaz - "Niggamortis (a.k.a. 6 Feet Deep)"

11. Ice Cube - "Ammerikkka's Most Wanted" + "Kill At Will EP"

12. Jeru the Damaja - "The Sun Rises in the East"

13. KMD - "Black Bastards"

14. Kool G Rap - "Wanted Dead Or Alive"

15. Kwamé - "The Boy Genius"

16. Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth - "Funky Technician"

17. Mantronix - "The Album"

18. Masta Ace Inc. - "Slaughtahouse"

19. Mos Def & Talib Kweli - "Black Star"

20. Naughty by Nature - "Naughy by Nature"

21. Nice & Smooth - "Ain't a Damn Thing Changed"

22. Raekwon - "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..."

23. Smif-N-Wessun - "Dah Shinin'"

24. Stetsasonic - "In Full Gear"

25. Various - "Wild Style Breakbeats"

While we're waiting for the release of the book Brian Coleman and DJ team The Rub have put together a pre-mixtape called "Check The Technique Vol. 2: A Mixtape For Hip Hop Junkies". The tape features choice cuts from all the albums featured in the book, and is definitely worth a spin. Check it out below or head over here.

Random Axe's self-titled debut which was released a few years ago, was a really good album, though it took me some spins before it truly sank in. With the trio consisting of producer Black Milk, fellow ruff-voiced Detroit emcee and legendary Boot Camp Clik member turned solo emcee Sean Price. Their LP "Random Axe" slowly started to grow on me, and since then all members of the trio has released some absolutely terrific solo projects on their own. Especially Black Milk has been getting stronger with each release, and his latest project "If There's A Hell Below", is shaing up real lovely based on the few street singlles and official singles we've heard so far. The album drops on October 28 and can be-preordered on CD or LP from UGHH.

For the final single before the album drops Milk leets loose of the highly anticipated reunion of the Random Axe crew. The song is called "Scum" and is another sure shot from the album. I for one can't wait for the full thing. Bang the track above!

Oh shit, Oddisee, XO and yU finally reunites as a unit for one of the most anticipated albums of the year, the Mello Music Group release "March On Washington". The album is now finally out and should of course get your support as its available in all types of formats, CD, digital and of course 2xLP and judging by their debut this is gonna be off the hook. Check it out via Bandcamp below, where you can also purchase a HQ download. For physical copies head over to UGHH for CD or vinyl. ENJOY!!!

wo considering after all the touring and studio sessions. As an added bonus the guest artist is no les than former Rage Against the Machine singer who really does a great job in adapting to the darkly psychadelic vibe and the chemistry between Zack, El-P and Kiler Mike.Great choice for a first single, as this shows classic El-P/Killer Mike chemistry displayed here from start to finish. Take a listen to the song up top and stay tuned for physical releases as soon as they drop!

While I have a kind of ambivalent relationship to CNN, as I feel that their debut album is one of the finest hardcore hip-hop LP:s ever crated. and "The Reuion" was pretty dope too. Since then it's been up and down, I did ike "War Report 2" quite a bit, but its been a real long time snce we had a masterpiece from the camp, whether group or solo effort. That don't mean that they occassionaly pump out heavy bangers ona semi-regular basis; the latest being a new single featuring none other than the always incredible Sadat X who gives a memorable performance on ¨Bringing the God Back". Rumour says that this will appear on a new CNN album to drop in 2015, we'll see what happens with that but it's an exciting thought. Stay tuned!'

Cole James Cash is a relatively new producer on the scene, sporting a unique sound that takes the best of the instrumental hip-hop influenced music of the '80s, '90s and the 2000s and brilliantly meshes them into a cohessive whole. You might remember his name from his excellent "Saigon"album quite recently, as well as several stunning singles. Now the album which is called "BBW: A Pornographic Opera" and is in a way a concept album. As Cole describes it himself and its title. "A New album produced by Cole James Cash tells the saga of various Big Beautiful pornographic actresses and their stories narrated by various rappers. Backed by melodic production and storytelling dedicated to all of the best and beautiful big girls who fornicate on film. ". Its no doubt an interesting album, and I'm mad hype to see how Cash will evolve over the years - I definitely have a feeling he is here to stay!

Paranom of Tragic Allies is a highly talented and underrated emcees and though the single "The Movement" was originally released on his 2012 album "Five Seasons", we are bringing it back for everybody who missed it on the first go (and I have a feeling there's a lot). Especially as you can stream and/or buy the entire, very dope, allbum over @ Bandcamp. See below and be sure to Turn it UP!

South African beat wunderkind The Militia keeps the Golden Age era in full effect as always on his latest free street album released through The DJBooth. The eleven song effort is full of the classic soul samples, bouncing boom bap and cuts that has made each and every one of The Militia's releases so far such a great joy to listen to. "Deluxe Cigars" packs ten instrumentals that don't need any vocals to hold your interest, and as a little bonus there's a new Rome Clientel / Militia collaboration to round things out. Definitely not sleep on this talented brother if you are still doing that!

Brooklyn spitter V. Nova gets down with Smif-N-Wessun again for the video shoot of their collaborative new single "Abstract Art", a sick, mellow, summer vibe type of track that should have your head nodding in agreement. The Crack Factory produced joint is lifted from V.Nova's new mixtape "Hidden in Plain Sight III", which is out now and can be heard here. Peace to James Dunn for the heads up!

Not too long ago hip-hop fans all over the world were treated to an amazing little promo spot for an upcoming project featuring DJ Premier, Royce Da 5'9" and in some capacity Adrian Younge, that literally popped out of nowhere. While many announced proejcts from Preemo's camp never materializes, some do rather quickly ("Tha Blaqprint", "Welcome 2 G-Dom", the YRR comp, and "Kolexxxion" comes to mind) and there's now no doubt that the duo known as PRHYME's collaboration album is definitely happening. The self-titled album features 9 songs, will be released independently, are entirely performed by Rocye Da 5'9" (with guests like Common, Jay Electronica, Killer Mike, Schoolboy Q, Slaughterhouse, and more) and produced by DJ Premier using nothing but samples from Adrian Younge's small but powerful catalouge - making it a concept album of sort. The tracklist, artwork and the first official single "Cortessy" plus the "PRhyme" intro which is provided through radio rips from the Sway in the Morning Show yesterday via the always excellent DJPremierBlog. The album is set to be released on December 9, the only downside being that as for now it seems to be a digital only release. Oh well, can't win them all because this will no doubt be SERIOUS! Pre-order @ iTunes now!

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